Contrary to Popular Belief - Nice Guys Can Win

Paul Pereira

Jason McElwain a 17-year-old senior, who is autistic had always sat on the sidelines at Greece Athena High School basketball games - he would keep the stats, run the clock and hand out water bottles. That all changed last week for McElwain in the final home game of the season. The 17-year-old senior, who usually sits on the bench in a white shirt and black tie, put on a uniform and entered the game with his team way ahead. McElwain proceeded to hit six 3-point shots, finished with 20 points and was carried off the court on his teammates' shoulders.

I can't imagine that nobody noticed Jason could sink 3 pointers until this game. This is supposed to be a heart warming story, but all I can think about is the incredible patience this kid has with humanity. I have this mental image of him sinking long shots at a side basket during practice for 4 YEARS, while the rest of the team ran drills.